News
U.S. troops dead, wounded after apparent insider attack in Afghanistan –
Three American soldiers were killed and another was wounded in eastern Afghanistan on Saturday, allegedly at the hands of an Afghan soldier who opened fired on them.
All 6 U.S. combat deaths in Afghanistan in 2017 were in fight against ISIS –
All six of the American soldiers who have died in combat in Afghanistan this year were Special Operations troops involved in the fight against the Islamic State group in its stronghold in a small eastern area of the country.
Business
Here are the big industry winners in the Saudi weapons offer –
Now that details of the $110 billion arms package offered to Saudi Arabia are known, Lockheed Martin appears to be the clear winner among American defense firms.
Booz Allen secures Navy network contract –
Booz Allen Hamilton has been awarded a $96.1 million Navy tactical network contract.
Arms show offers Japan venue to build military ties in Southeast Asia –
Defense firms were to put their wares on display June 12 at Japan’s only dedicated arms show, a site for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s government to promote industrial military ties that will bolster the country’s influence in Southeast Asia.
Defense
How to fast-track to an improved Navy –
U.S. Marines based out of Norway, another Marine expeditionary unit operating from Sicily. U.S. submarines forward-deployed to Scotland, littoral combat ships in the Mediterranean. Supply ships, fleet oilers and amphibious ships armed with cruise missiles. A third aviation-centered assault ship. More networked connectivity.
Pentagon wants to sweeten retirement benefits for senior enlisted troops –
The Pentagon wants to upgrade its new retirement package, set to debut Jan. 1, so the military’s longest-serving enlisted personnel have greater incentive to remain in uniform.
Mattis quietly keeps distance from Trump’s most divisive moves –
Less than an hour after President Trump announced in the Rose Garden that he was pulling the United States out of the Paris climate accord, the White House press office began sending emails with quotations from cabinet officials praising the decision.
Army pushes Long-Range Precision Fires development out by a year –
The Army is pushing the development plan for its Long-Range Precision Fires program — a top priority for the service — out by a year, according to budget documents.
Army looks to replace the Squad Automatic Weapon –
Army officials posted the special notice on the Federal Business Opportunities website on May 31, seeking contractor submissions for a classified industry days event on July 25-27 at the Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Benning, Ga.
For the first time, a woman assumes command of a Special Forces battalion –
A career Quartermaster officer has assumed command of the 3rd Special Forces Group support battalion. And in a first for that role, the commander is a woman.
Marines ordering 35,000 new combat helmets –
The Marine Corps has ordered more than 35,000 Enhanced Combat Helmets, which will be fielded to Marines starting in spring, according to Marine Corps Systems Command.
F-35s at Luke Air Force Base grounded after pilots suffered oxygen deprivation –
The 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., cancelled local flying operations June 9 for its F-35A Lightning II fighters after five incidents in which pilots experienced symptoms similar to hypoxia, or oxygen deprivation.
Air Force to cut three A-10 squadrons unless funding for new wings emerges –
Three squadrons of A-10 Warthogs will go out of service unless the Air Force comes up with funding to pay for new wings, the head of Air Combat Command confirmed in an exclusive interview with Defense News.
Veterans
More than 18,000 vets verified for online exchange access, and thousands are already shopping –
Exchange officials have verified 18,011 honorably discharged veterans for online shopping privileges, including nearly 15,000 in the first four days of the new verification process, officials said June 9.
It’s time to focus on children of wounded warriors, experts say –
Along the Allen family’s journey since Army Staff Sgt. Chaz Allen lost his legs in Afghanistan in January 2011, too often their young girls have been “invisible,” said their mom, Jessica Allen.
Maryland cemetery to offer burial of military working dogs, service dogs alongside owners –
A new section in a Maryland cemetery will be open to veterans who wish to be buried alongside their service animals or military working dogs.